Respiritory infection?

[henkatie]

Hi all, was hoping for a bit of advice as I'm struggling with one of my girls.. I will provide as much info as possible - as I'd rather build my knowldge than go back to the vets again if I don't have to.

Not sure of her age - possibly 4-6yrs. Breed: was told Redstar (but never heard of this breed before). Name Starface

She has a respiritory infection, not sure if bronchitus or Phneumonia - We're in the UK and have had a lot of changes in weather recently which I know doesn't always help.. background -

Two weeks ago I treated my oldest Buff (Stewie) for Phneumonia after taking her to the vets - was prescribed Baytril - 1ml a day and had a shot of steroids - after two days we went back as there was no improvement. She was then put on Denaguard - 2ml in 1L of water and Antepsin - 1/4 a day - in 2 or 3 servings.

Prior to the vets visit I had treated all 5 of my girls with Flubenvet - as initially I thought they both may have had gapeworm. By the second visit to the vet with Stewie, Starface had similar symptoms, but had lost quite a bit of weight too.

They both spent 3/4 days inside so they could get regular attention and the medication in the water. a further two days of both being on Denaguard and they both picked up. I decided after 5 days in the house, I'd integrate back in to the flock.

For a few days Starface was fine - eating, drinking well and socialising with the others. I've noticed though she never fully got rid of the rattle, but I thought she would be better out getting fresh air and in company of her friends.

Over the last few days I have noticed her going down hill. She appears to be off her food - not even corn or mashed potato has enticed her to eat. Today I have noticed her crop feels like a water balloon - reasonably small in size - but nothing of concern, but full of liquid. I don't believe it is sour crop as the symptoms she is displaying tell me there's no infection there - possibly she's drinking but not eating? (Feel free to correct if it does sound like this though) - to be clear also there is no bad smell from her beak. Since bringing her in I have heard her cough - sounded like phlem on the back of her throat. She definitely has a constant rattle when breathing, but doesn't seem to be struggling, e.g. beak open, stretching neck out.

One thing that is strange to me, she has never been the friendliest and I don't often get to hold her - she's just not a cuddly girl. But last night when I went to check on them, I was able to pick her up and hold her for a good 5 minutes. she just sat with me and snuggled down - that's when I knew it was serious - she didn't even have the energy to make a break for it!

I have bought her back inside near a radiator to warm her through, given her 1ml of Batril and will shortly try and feed her some scrambed egg.

I guess my question to the forum is: Is there anything from the above that I've described that makes you think of a particular illness - and that I need to focus my treatment on? - for example is this phneumonia, or could it just be a run of the mill respiritory infection that's being stubborn? Is there any suggestions that can help a speedy recovery?

I get a bit worried when they're sick - would break my heart to loose her to anything other than old age.

Any advice would really be appreciated,
Katie

 

[henkatie]

Starface has died in the early hours.

She had totally stopped eating yeaterday and just wasn't interested in any of her favourite treats at all. I decided to take her to the vets on Saturday as her comb started to wilt and discolour. Her poop also was very smelly and runny - almost mucus like and was clear/yellow. She had a steriod injection which made a tiny bit of difference. I am yet to pin point exactly what respiritory infection/desease she had. Unfortunately, the vet we saw was fairly inexperienced and relied heavily on my knowledge.

She had a lot of love and attention lavished over her for her last few days. I am greatly saddened to lose my first hen like this she was my head girl's sidekick and was the kindest hen I've ever had. One lesson I have learnt is to pay more attention to my girls and set time aside on a weekly basis checking them over and being more regular with preventative treatments.

I just needed to write this - because I'm not sure anyone outside this community will understand the sadness I feel right now.

 

[realsis]

i am soo very very very sorry! my heart goes out to you! although i don't have answers for you i want to say im here forr you if you need to talk. i am again so very saddened by your loss!

 

[realsis]

im wondering if tylan injection might have been a stronger course of action other than the baytril? again i am so sorry you lost your girl! my heart breaks for you! sounds like you did everything you could do for her.. it was out of your control. sometimes no matter what we do we just cant stop the disease. take comfort in knowing you did all you could for her and made her comfortable in her last days. again im very sorry for your loss!